𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙢𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮 | 18+

• 𝐭 𝐡 𝐢 𝐫 𝐭 𝐲 𝐨 𝐧 𝐞 •

A a r a v

My head throbs every time I spared a glance at my laptop screen, the glow of the laptop screen made my neurons combust. Numbers and figures swam together relentlessly as I blinked at the balance sheet.

Downing the last of my whiskey, I typed off a quick email to Alex requesting his review. Perhaps a fresh set of eyes could catch any errors where I overlooked.

Leaning back in my seat with a weary sigh, my gaze unwillingly drifted to Meher seated ahead me. The distance she placed now between us, spoke volumes about the lingering tension after our fight. I couldn't blame her for that.

But my pounding head was in no mood for apologies right now. All I knew was that her father continued to be a pain in the ass, dragging me into problems I didn't need.

In that moment, I'd probably be in my archery range practicing my rusty skills. But then again, CEOs didn't have time for that.

As if sensing my pounding headache, Meher rose silently and walked over to the bar cart. She poured a glass of water and picked up a tablet of ibuprofen and brought it to where I sat.

"Drink this, and stop groaning behind my ear," she said flatly, meeting my eyes with an inscrutable look.

I took the glass wordlessly, our fingers brushing. For a moment, her nearness soothed my frazzled nerves. But tensions still simmered beneath the surface between us.

I took the meds in silence, nodding my thanks. Her concern, however slight, reminded me that despite differences, our fates remained tied.

My laptop dinged with Alex's reply. I scanned it quickly, finding his analysis similiar to mine. At least one thing was going right today. The meds and water started to kick in, dulling the edge of my headache.

•••••••

The jet landed smoothly in Monaco and Meher and I arrived at the airport, making our way to the waiting car.

The lush surroundings of Monaco were as impressive as I remembered.

Despite numerous visits here on business before, something felt different bringing Meher along this time. Our fragile truce seemed to shatter at any moment under her father's influence.

Our car waited outside the airport, along with two security guards loading our luggage into the trunk. I held the door open for Meher to slide into the backseat before joining her.

The drive to the penthouse began in uncomfortable silence. I peered out the window, taking in the familiar city streets underneath a dusky orange sky.

We had been driving for some time when suddenly the car sputtered and slowed to a stop, the engine winding down with a shudder. I frowned, exchanging a puzzled look with the driver, "What's wrong?"

He tried turning the ignition several times to no avail, the driver slowed, concern etched on his face. "Sounds like a loose part, I'll take a look."

I stepped out into the fading daylight, inhaling the forest's earthy scent as the driver examined the engine. My impatience grew listening to his murmured diagnosis.

He popped the hood and checked, brow furrowed in concern. "I believe the battery is dead, sir. Nothing seems to be engaging now."

"It will take me hours to reach the nearest mechanic and return," he said apologetically. "Perhaps you and Madam could wait here until then."

I looked around out to survey the situation for myself. All I saw stretching in every direction was thick forest and the lonely winding road. No other vehicles in sight.